Lexical Summary Elpaal: Elpaal Original Word: אֶלְפַּעַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Elpaal From 'el and pa'al; God (is) act; Elpaal, an Israelite -- Elpaal. see HEBREW 'el see HEBREW pa'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom el and paal Definition perhaps "God of doing," a Benjamite NASB Translation Elpaal (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶלְמַּ֫עַל proper name, masculine (God of doing? compare Phoenician פעלאבסת); a Benjamite 1 Chronicles 8:11,12,18. אֶלְצָפָן see אֱלִיצָפָן. Topical Lexicon Name and Theological Emphasis Elpaal (“God has accomplished”) embodies the theme that divine initiative underlies human achievement. Each appearance of the name in Scripture occurs in a genealogical setting, reminding the reader that the outworking of God’s purposes is traced through real families and verifiable history. Elpaal’s line illustrates how the Lord’s faithfulness spans generations, turning personal identity into corporate blessing for the tribe of Benjamin and, ultimately, for the whole covenant community. Genealogical Setting in Benjamin Elpaal is introduced within the complex record of Benjamite patriarchs (1 Chronicles 8:1–28). He is the son of Shaharaim by his wife Hushim (1 Chronicles 8:11). Benjamin’s tribe was small yet strategically positioned near Jerusalem, often furnishing leaders and warriors. By placing Elpaal in this lineage, the chronicler underscores the restoration of Benjamin after the calamity recorded in Judges 20 and the nation-shaping events that followed. His descendants’ exploits show that God “accomplishes” restoration despite earlier tribal humiliation. Descendants and Their Exploits 1 Chronicles 8:12–18 lists at least thirteen sons or grandsons of Elpaal. These descendants distinguish themselves in three main ways: 1. City Builders “The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod and its surrounding villages” (1 Chronicles 8:12). Lod (later called Lydda) and Ono lay on the western approach to Jerusalem, guarding trade routes toward the Mediterranean. Their construction work indicates organizational skill, economic foresight, and a commitment to secure Israel’s borders. After the exile, these same towns reappear in the register of returnees (Nehemiah 7:37; 11:35), confirming the lasting impact of Elpaal’s family. 2. Military Valor Though verse 13 names Beriah and Shema, the context ties their deeds to the broader Elpaal clan. “They drove away the inhabitants of Gath” (1 Chronicles 8:13), a Philistine stronghold. Gath had produced giants who once terrorized Israel (1 Samuel 17). That Elpaal’s descendants repelled Gittite settlers illustrates covenant courage and contributes to the chronicler’s theme of Benjamin as a martial ally to Judah. 3. Administrative Leadership Many names in verses 14–18 correspond to officials listed elsewhere in Chronicles and Ezra–Nehemiah. Their recurrence implies that Elpaal’s line supplied administrators, scribes, and overseers during the monarchy and the post-exilic period. In chronicling such service, Scripture affirms that faithful governance is as necessary as front-line combat. Geographical Significance: Ono, Lod, Aijalon • Ono and Lod controlled the Valley of Ono, a fertile plain linking Judea and the coast. Their builders created hubs later used by Zerubbabel’s returnees and, in New Testament times, by early believers (Acts 9:32-35). Spiritual and Ministry Lessons 1. God Works Through Forgotten People Elpaal is never spotlighted outside this genealogy, yet his offspring shaped Israel’s history. Congregations today can take heart that obscurity does not negate influence when God “accomplishes” His purposes through faithful households. 2. Building and Defending Go Hand in Hand The line alternates between city builders and warriors. Likewise, local churches must balance constructive endeavors—discipleship, mercy ministries, community development—with vigilant defense of sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13-14). 3. Legacy Over Celebrity Elpaal’s significance lies less in personal achievement than in the godly trajectory he set for his sons. Parents, mentors, and church leaders are reminded that the truest measure of ministry is often seen in what the next generation builds and protects. 4. Continuity From Old to New Covenant Lod (Lydda) becomes the site where “Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years… got up at once” when Peter declared, “Jesus the Messiah heals you” (Acts 9:33-34, paraphrase). The city raised by Elpaal’s sons thus becomes a stage where the completed work of God in Christ is displayed, knitting together the narratives of Chronicles and Acts into a single redemptive storyline. Summary Elpaal personifies the conviction that God’s deeds are accomplished through ordinary yet obedient people. His descendants demonstrate the breadth of kingdom service—construction, warfare, and administration—while the towns they founded continue to feature in the unfolding plan of redemption. In tracing his brief appearances, Scripture affirms that every believer and every family can become an instrument through which the Lord “accomplishes” His purpose for the blessing of many. Forms and Transliterations אֶלְפַּ֔עַל אֶלְפָּֽעַל׃ אלפעל אלפעל׃ ’el·pa·‘al ’el·pā·‘al ’elpa‘al ’elpā‘al elPaalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:11 HEB: אֲבִיט֖וּב וְאֶת־ אֶלְפָּֽעַל׃ NAS: of Abitub and Elpaal. KJV: he begat Abitub, and Elpaal. INT: became of Abitub and Elpaal 1 Chronicles 8:12 1 Chronicles 8:18 3 Occurrences |
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